Skip to main content
Ch. 1 - Equations and Inequalities
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 4

Match the equation in Column I with its solution(s) in Column II. x2 - 5 = 0
Matching exercise with equations involving squares and their corresponding solutions including real and imaginary numbers.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Start with the given equation: \(x^2 - 5 = 0\).
Isolate the squared term by adding 5 to both sides: \(x^2 = 5\).
To solve for \(x\), take the square root of both sides: \(x = \pm \sqrt{5}\).
Remember that taking the square root introduces both positive and negative solutions, so the solutions are \(x = \sqrt{5}\) and \(x = -\sqrt{5}\).
Match these solutions with the corresponding option in Column II that lists \(x = \pm \sqrt{5}\).

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Solving Quadratic Equations

A quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of degree two, typically in the form ax² + bx + c = 0. Solving it involves finding values of x that satisfy the equation, often by factoring, completing the square, or using the quadratic formula.
Recommended video:
06:08
Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring

Isolating the Variable

Isolating the variable means manipulating the equation to get the variable alone on one side. For example, in x² - 5 = 0, adding 5 to both sides isolates x², making it easier to solve for x by taking square roots.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:28
Equations with Two Variables

Square Root Property

The square root property states that if x² = k, then x = ±√k. This means when solving equations like x² = 5, the solutions are both the positive and negative square roots of 5, reflecting two possible values for x.
Recommended video:
02:20
Imaginary Roots with the Square Root Property